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The Waratahs have named their touring squad ahead of their first match of the Super Rugby season against the Melbourne Rebels on Friday morning. The 25-man squad is due to travel on Thurday.

The starting line-up should be pretty much set with a few positions being certainties. One of these is Phil Waugh, who is playing in his 5th season of captain of the Waratahs. Berrick Barnes, Dean Mumm and Drew Mitchell will help their captain as on field leaders, making for a very strong core leadership.

A few players are yet to prove their fitness ahead of the game, with Wycliff Palu, Rob Horne and Benn Robinson all carrying niggles. Horne played in the trials and came through unscathed, Robinson completed his rehab on his calf strain. Palu is the only player with a serious hamstring injury.

The Waratahs have one of their strongest squads in years, and will hope to step up this season where many a pundit has tipped them as favourites to top the Australian conference